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oChef » Hunan Empire – San Francisco
Hunan Empire - San Francisco
Photo from Hunan Empire
Hunan Empire at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 35 of the guests
#1612 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#146 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
255
Reviews
67.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful dishes
- Quiet setting
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Service attitude
- Flavor inconsistency
- Hidden charges
The restaurant Hunan Empire is a Chinese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s charming Cow Hollow neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
With a focus on authentic flavors, this establishment also thoughtfully provides vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone. Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Hunan Empire
Hunan Empire offers a generally satisfying experience, particularly noted for its flavorful food and a comfortable, quiet atmosphere. Many appreciate the owners and staff for their friendly demeanor, contributing to a pleasant visit or efficient delivery.
However, some experiences with service have been less ideal, with reports of attitude or issues with order accuracy. While often praised for its value, certain dishes or unexpected charges can sometimes detract from the overall perception of affordability.
Good
7
out of 10
255
Reviews
67.1%
Satisfaction
64
negative
20
neutral
171
positive
Hunan Empire earns a solid 7 out of 10 overall, indicating a generally good dining experience. Customer satisfaction, however, sits at a more mixed 67.1%.
This assessment comes from 255 customer remarks, with 171 positive observations outweighing 64 negative ones, suggesting a mostly favorable but not universally acclaimed reception. Digging deeper, the Food (7.1) is a clear highlight, often described as consistently good.
The Ambience (7.3) also contributes positively, offering a comfortable and quiet setting. While Value (6.8) is generally seen as fair, Service (6.6) shows some room for improvement, occasionally falling short of expectations despite many positive interactions.
What people like
- Flavorful Chinese dishes
- Comfortable, quiet setting
- Friendly staff, owners
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service attitude
- Flavor consistency issues
- Unexpected charges
With a Recommendation Score of 7.3, Hunan Empire is generally worth considering, especially if you prioritize well-prepared Chinese cuisine and a relaxed dining environment. It’s a place that often delivers on taste and comfort, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
However, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and occasional flavor variations. If you value a straightforward, budget-friendly experience and appreciate a quiet spot, it could be a good fit, but manage expectations regarding every interaction.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hunan Empire
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot generally hits the mark! With 97 positive remarks out of 144 total, many folks rave about the huge portions and delicious American-style Chinese classics like the orange chicken and General Tsos chicken. Theres also appreciation for the fresh and healthy options, making it a super tasty and reliable choice for many diners.
The food scores a solid 7.1, suggesting a good culinary experience overall. However, it's not always a perfect plate, as reflected by a mixed customer satisfaction of 67.4% and 32 negative comments. Some diners have encountered issues with bland flavor and a lack of seasoning, while others mentioned soggy food or even weird meat.
There were also a few disappointments regarding entrees not coming with rice, which can be a bit of a surprise.
Food
144
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
32
negative
15
neutral
97
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Huge portions
- Delicious American-style Chinese
- Fresh, healthy options
What people don't like
- Bland flavor
- Soggy food
- Entrees lack rice
Often praised
- foodAlthough it's not a very popular or large place, the atmosphere inside was incredibly comfortable, making us feel right at home. We only waited about 7-10 minutes for our food, which looked so good and tasted yummy! I would recommend this place for lunch or dinner, and they also offer online ordering.
- Chinese foodConsistently outstanding Chinese food
- egg rollsThe food was great, and the staff were lovely. I ordered the vegetable chow mein and egg rolls, which were both delicious. The meal concluded with a fortune cookie.
- orange chickenthe orange chicken is pretty darn good
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The place itself is very pretty, and I appreciated the good portions and good prices. The service was okay, but they really came up short on flavor.
- fried ricefried rice were excellent
- honey glazed walnut shrimpI've been eating here for the last 20 years and I love their healthy, yummy, always fresh, delicious Chinese food. I have so many favorites, including the best honey glazed walnut shrimp and the best General Tso's chicken. All their soups are also fantastic, especially the War War Wonton soup, which is full of prawns, BBQ pork, and chicken – so good!
- American-style Chinese foodGreat American-style Chinese food
- Chinese Foodbest Chinese Food in San Francisco that I’ve ever had
- Chinese restaurantmy favorite Chinese restaurant
Frequently criticized
- flavorThis was particularly embarrassing as I was with a large group. The waiter's negligence was comparable to the lack of flavor in the food.
- riceentrees do not come with rice though. You have to order separate
- Chinese foodVery average Chinese that didn’t sit well
- Hunan beefhunan beef wasn’t spicy as requested
- Hunan chickenThe flavor wasn’t that great for me.
- amount of foodHowever, I observed that the establishment appears to be biased against non-Chinese customers. Specifically, Chinese patrons seemed to receive double the amount of food compared to non-Chinese individuals.
- bad mealThe Chinese food is excellent, and the service is great. I've been a customer for over 20 years and have never had a bad meal.
- blandleaving it bland
- bland sideThe service was good, but the Hunan beef was not as spicy as I requested. The overall flavor was mediocre, with a bland side and what I found to be weird meat. It was very average Chinese food that unfortunately didn’t sit well the next day.
- cooked green pepperI don’t like cooked green pepper
If you're looking for generous portions of classic American-style Chinese food and appreciate fresh, healthy choices, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might occasionally lack seasoning or have texture issues, so manage your expectations for a consistently perfect flavor profile.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
Lets talk service! This place scores a decent 6.6, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 65.5%. Out of 58 total comments, 38 were positive, often highlighting the warm welcome.
Many guests loved the owners and staff, describing them as nicest people who offer great service and timely delivery, making for a pleasant experience. However, its not always smooth sailing. The 18 negative comments point to some frustrating experiences.
Issues like a missing item and a rude lady answering the phone have left some customers feeling unheard. There were also mentions of terrible service and even negligence from a waiter, suggesting inconsistency in the overall service quality.
Service
58
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
18
negative
2
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly owners, staff
- Quick, timely delivery
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Missing order items
- Negligent waiter service
Often praised
- serviceservice and atmosphere was really nice
- deliverygood for delivery in the marina/cow hollow
- ownersthe owners are personable and attentive
- customer servicefriendly customer service
- delivery manI ordered the pot stickers and fried rice, which were excellent. The delivery was pretty fast, and the delivery man was very friendly.
- staffthe staff are the nicest people ever
- ServiceService:5
- arrival timeIt's a hidden gem, tucked away in a building, which made it a bit empty but contributed to a nice atmosphere. The food was really good and arrived fast, making it a very filling and budget-friendly meal. We ordered a beef chow fun, a garlic chicken dish, and assorted appetizers.
- delivery driverDelivery driver very nice
- delivery serviceappreciate the delivery service
Frequently criticized
- serviceDid not bother to tell us or offer any type of compensation.
- workerworker took her time to scan my cup like I was lying
- biasthey are bias
- credit card machineCredit cards did not work with their machine
- disgusting treatmentDisgusting treatment
- huge attitudesaying it was there he knows it because he has a “photo” of my order showing a Chinese container in it
- lady answering the phoneThe lady answering the phone says it was out in there and we are mistaken
- missing an itemwe were missing an item
- negligenceWaiter was negligent like flavor in the food
- ownerowner was having a bad day and lost it
So, should you go? If youre hoping for a quick delivery and a friendly face, especially from the owners, youll likely be pleased. But be prepared for a potentially mixed experience, as some guests have encountered rude staff or issues with missing items.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
The ambience here scores a good 7.3, yet customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68%. Many guests appreciate the nice atmosphere and quiet setting, making it easy to talk. There are 17 positive remarks highlighting its mom and pop shop feel and a unique Time Machine vibe, offering a comfortable and authentic experience.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 6 negative comments pointing out that the atmosphere was lacking for some. A significant concern is difficult parking due to its office building location. While the score is good, the mixed customer satisfaction suggests that while some find the vibe charming, others might find it less appealing or convenient.
Ambience
25
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quiet, nice atmosphere
- Authentic mom-and-pop feel
- Unique Time Machine vibe
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Lacking atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was a journey back in time. It's been here forever, offering a no frills atmosphere but delivering good food. The place is run by Michelle and Jimmy, who have been at it for many years.
- placethe place was nice
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- QuietQuiet so easy to talk.
- Time Machinelike entering a Time Machine
- atmosphere of the spacecount on the atmosphere of the space to be excellent
- mom and pop shopIts a mom and pop shop
- noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- quiet Chinese cuisinequiet Chinese cuisine then yes you are in the perfect place
- vibe insideThe vibe inside is like entering a Time Machine
Frequently criticized
- atmospheredoesn't have the greatest atmosphere
- nastylocation wasn’t so nasty
- parkingParking:It's in an office building.
- parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
If youre seeking a quiet, authentic mom and pop shop vibe and dont mind a potential hunt for parking, this place could be a charming step back in time. However, if a modern, bustling atmosphere and easy parking are high on your list, you might find it a bit underwhelming.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some real bright spots! Many folks rave about the budget friendly options and great value, especially the lunch special deals. With 19 positive remarks out of 28 total, its clear that many find the prices quite reasonable, making it an affordable choice for a good meal.
However, the value isnt always straightforward, leading to a 67.9% customer satisfaction which is a bit mixed. Some diners were surprised by extra charges for items like rice that they felt should be included, and a few even mentioned paying for what they perceived as a restaurant's mistake. This suggests that while the score for value sits at a decent 6.8, there are some hidden costs to watch out for.
Value
28
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Budget friendly prices
- Great lunch specials
- Good overall value
What people don't like
- Unexpected extra charges
- Items not included
- Paying for mistakes
Often praised
- pricea more than fair price for the area
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The place itself is very pretty, and I appreciated the good portions and good prices. The service was okay, but they really came up short on flavor.
- $9for $9 I think
- affordablemore affordable yet still quality restaurants
- beer and wineBeer and wine - very reasonably priced
- budget friendlybudget friendly
- cheep eatsA great cheep eats.
- foodas is the food
- good valueit was good value for the neighborhood
- great valueMy experience at this restaurant was great. It's a cheep eats spot that offers great value. The atmosphere was quiet, making it easy to talk.
Frequently criticized
- pricecosted $15 for a large, which again basically featured almost no meat at all
- DiscoverHE DOES NOT TAKE DISCOVER. HIS SYSTEM DOESNT ALLOW FOR IT.
- extra chargeshe charged me $3
- mistakeWe paid for your mistake.
- plate of orange chickenalmost being $25 and most of it ended up in the trash
- steamed ricecharged me $3.50 for steamed rice that should be included
- totalIt was $50 for 1 soup, sesame chicken (no rice) and vegetable lo mein
If youre looking for an affordable meal, especially a lunch special, this place can be a solid pick. Just be sure to clarify whats included to avoid any unexpected extra charges and ensure you're getting the great value you expect.
How are the prices at Hunan Empire?
On average, you’ll spend around 21 per person – from 35 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range.
Looking at what others spend, most diners actually cluster in the $11–$20 range, but a good number also fall into your restaurant’s $21–$30 bracket. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly to slightly more premium dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 35 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chinese Restaurant. It seems to offer a reasonable experience for the cost, especially with options that cater to different spending levels.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hunan Empire
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Best Chinese Food Experience!
This is honestly the best place to satisfy my craving for great Chinese food. I have visited plenty of times and have never grown tired of eating there. The broccoli chicken with steamed rice is simply the best, and the ingredients are always cooked to perfection.
I clean my plate every time, down to the last grain of rice, as the portion sizes are just right. The price can't be beat. Plus the owners are super friendly.
I will happily visit again!
- broccoli chicken with steamed rice10
- ingredients10
- portion sizes9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Wonderful Mom and Pop Shop
I have been coming here every week for almost a year, and I have never been disappointed. This is a mom and pop shop, and the owners/staff are wonderful! They get to know their customers on a first-name basis and are very sweet.
The food is very good, not too greasy, and always fresh!
- mom and pop shop9
- owners/staff10
- food9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Enjoyable Lunch with Great Food and Atmosphere
I know I can have an enjoyable lunch and count on the atmosphere of the space and the quality of the food to be excellent!
- atmosphere of the space10
- quality of the food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Food and Delivery Service
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. I always appreciate the quality of food and the delivery service. I highly recommend patronizing and supporting this local business.
- quality of food10
- delivery service9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Classic Spot with Terrific Owners
My experience at this restaurant was a journey back in time. It's been here forever, offering a no frills atmosphere but delivering good food. The place is run by Michelle and Jimmy, who have been at it for many years.
They are truly terrific, contributing to a wonderful dining experience.
- food9
- atmosphere9
- owners10
What Hunan Empire offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What are the parking and accessibility options at Hunan Empire?
When you visit Hunan Empire, you’ll find wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. Parking can be somewhat difficult, but paid street parking and a paid parking garage are available nearby for your convenience.
Does Hunan Empire offer vegetarian options and what is the dining atmosphere like?
Yes, Hunan Empire proudly offers a variety of vegetarian options, catering to diverse dietary preferences. You can enjoy your meal in a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for both quick bites and leisurely dining experiences during lunch or dinner.
What is the overall verdict on Hunan Empire?
Hunan Empire holds an overall score of 7, indicating a good experience, though customer satisfaction is mixed at 67.1%. The Food (7.1) and Ambience (7.3) are generally well-regarded, while Value (6.8) and Service (6.6) show some room for improvement.
Is the food at Hunan Empire consistently good?
Many customers praise the flavorful Chinese dishes, highlighting items like orange chicken and walnut shrimp. However, some opinions mention occasional issues with flavor consistency, describing certain dishes as bland or not spicy enough.
How is the service at Hunan Empire?
Service experiences vary; many find the staff and owners friendly and attentive, with efficient delivery. Conversely, some reports indicate inconsistent attitudes, issues with order accuracy, or unexpected charges, suggesting a mixed service quality.